Beneficial Health Services

Taking care of your health is an important first step to becoming a successful student.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville provides medical services, health insurance, counseling services, wellness and health education programs to students.

These services are described below.

STUDENT HEALTH CENTER

Currently enrolled students with minor illnesses, injuries, or other medical needs can see a Nurse Practitioner in the Student Health Center located in Room 203 of the University Center. A visit fee of $10.00 is charged at the time of service. Laboratory, vaccination, and other health services are available to students at a modest charge. For more information regarding student health services, visitwww.uah.edu/wellness or call the Student Health Center at 256-824-6775 Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The UAHuntsville Office of Student Affairs has made available an accident, sickness, and major medical insurance program for all full-time UAHuntsville students and their dependents. This optional insurance program is very reasonably priced and has been designed to relieve students and parents of possible financial strain for medical and mental health services in the event of major illnesses or injuries. Office of Student Affairs also makes available to students and their dependents a prepaid dental maintenance plan. Students can review detailed coverage and eligibility requirements at the United Health Student Resource website at www.uhcsr.com. The application process is also available on-line at this website.Please take just a few moments to assess your current health needs and health insurance coverage, and look into one or both of the above services if you feel either of them could be of benefit to you.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Confidential personal counseling by qualified professional counselors is available to assist students in defining and accomplishing personal, social and academic goals, managing psychological and emotional stressors, and to identify and address a wide range of personal growth and development opportunities. Both individual and group counseling is available. Assistance is provided with many issues including stress, anxiety, communication, self esteem, family issues and relationships.

For further confidential information on these subjects or other health issues, please contact the Counseling Center in the 136 Madison Hall, or call (256) 824-6203.

Drug Free Environment

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is committed to providing a drug-free environment for its faculty, staff, and students. Current University policy prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on University property or as 'part of any University activity.

Any student or University employee who violates the University policy is subject to discipline or sanction consistent with applicable University policies and procedures. For students, such discipline or sanction includes disciplinary probation, suspension, and expulsion. For employees, such discipline or sanction includes dismissal. Additional sanction for both students and employees includes possible referral for prosecution under applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Under Alabama law, the possession, purchase, or consumption of alcohol beverages by a person under 21 years of age, is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and

by up to three months in jail. Also, under Alabama law, for a first offense, unlawful possession of a controlled substance (that is, illegal drugs) may be punishable by imprisonment up to ten years and a $5,000 fine, and unlawful distribution of controlled substances may be punishable by imprisonment of up to 20 years and a $10,000 fine. Subsequent offenses may carry more stringent penalties.

Under federal law, for a first offense, unlawful possession of a controlled substance may be punishable by a minimum fine of $1,000 and up to one year imprisonment. Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance may result in fines of between $100,000 and $4 million and imprisonment terms of between one year and life, depending on the circumstances and the quantity and type of controlled substance distributed, with greater penalties for subsequent offenses.

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even small amounts significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a vehicle safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Small to moderate amounts of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, incidence of a variety of aggressive act, including fighting, decreased inhibitions, and victimizations of self or others. Moderate to high amounts of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high amounts cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much smaller amounts of alcohol will produce the effects just described. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence.

Sudden cessation of prolonged alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol,

particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

The chart included with this brochure describes some of the possible health risks associated with the use of controlled substances. Cocaine use is responsible for kidney damage, stroke, lung and heart diseases, seizures, and intensepsychological problems. Many forms of narcotics are highly addictive to users. Marijuana use creates certain dysfunctions related to thinking, learning, and recall; aggravates asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; and contributes to fertility problems; and contributes to the development of lung cancer.

Non-prescribed use of drugs can have an adverse effect on overall health and well-being. Extended drug and/or alcohol use may result in substance dependence and loss of control of an individuals life.

If you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, please get help. The staff in the Counseling Center (256-824-6203), located in Room 136 of Madison Hall and the Student Health Center (256-824-6775), located in Room 203 of the University Center, is ready to assist you through personal counseling, educational programs, referrals to community Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups and treatment centers. There are a variety of education and treatment programs available.